Subcarrier Spacing Restriction for SSB and CSI-RS Measurements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless communication systems face challenges in managing mixed numerologies for CSI-RS, SSB, and PDCCH/PDSCH measurements, leading to increased complexity and cost for UEs, particularly in handling different subcarrier spacings on the same frequency, which can result in difficulties during intra-frequency measurements without measurement gaps.
Innovation Solution
Restricting subcarrier spacings for CSI-RS and PDCCH/PDSCH to two configurations per serving cell, allowing SSB and CSI-RS to share one spacing and PDCCH/PDSCH to share another, and enabling UEs to indicate their capability for mixed numerology support through specific parameters, thereby adjusting measurement expectations and scheduling to accommodate UE limitations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mixed numerologies are used for CSI-RS, SSB, and PDCCH/PDSCH with different subcarrier spacings on the same frequency, then network flexibility and adaptability are improved, but UE complexity and processing difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by introducing a capability indication mechanism where UEs report their support for mixed numerology processing. The network then adjusts scheduling parameters based on this capability, changing the operational parameters dynamically to balance network flexibility with UE processing capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution implements dynamics by making the numerology configuration adaptive rather than static. The network can dynamically adjust whether to apply mixed numerologies based on UE capability indications, allowing the system to transition between different operational modes (mixed numerology enabled/disabled) to optimize performance.
2Measurement precision
If multiple different subcarrier spacings are configured for SSB, CSI-RS, and PDCCH/PDSCH, then measurement accuracy and scheduling flexibility are improved, but processing time and computational load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of numerology configuration from fixed multi-numerology to dynamic single-or-dual-numerology based on UE capability. This reduces processing time by eliminating the need for UEs to simultaneously process multiple subcarrier spacings while maintaining measurement accuracy through capability-based optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution applies partial action by allowing mixed numerology configuration only for UEs that explicitly indicate capability to support it. For other UEs, a simplified single-numerology mode is used, providing the necessary measurement accuracy without the excessive processing burden of handling multiple subcarrier spacings.
3Adaptability or versatility
If UEs must handle different subcarrier spacings simultaneously for intra-frequency measurements, then network capability and service diversity are improved, but UE cost and implementation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements parameter changes by introducing capability-based configuration parameters. The network configures numerology parameters dynamically based on UE capability reports, allowing service diversity for capable UEs while maintaining simpler operation for others, thus reducing overall implementation complexity across the network.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution applies segmentation by dividing UEs into segments based on their mixed numerology capability. Capable UEs receive enhanced service diversity with multiple numerologies, while non-capable UEs receive simplified single-numerology service, reducing implementation complexity through market segmentation.
4Productivity
If measurement gaps are avoided for intra-frequency measurements, then measurement speed and network efficiency are improved, but measurement reliability and accuracy deteriorate when mixed numerologies are present
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameter from requiring measurement gaps to gapless operation by restricting numerology configurations. When UEs indicate inability to support mixed numerology, the network configures single numerology for all channels, enabling fast gapless measurements while maintaining reliability through parameter optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution applies preliminary anti-action by proactively restricting mixed numerology configurations for UEs that cannot handle them. This prevents the potential measurement reliability issues before they occur, allowing gapless measurements to proceed without the harmful effects of complex multi-numerology processing.
Data Source
AI summary
Technology is provided for supporting different numerologies for concurrent intra-frequency measurements and downlink data reception. A user equipment (UE) may send a message to the a wireless network to indicate whether the UE supports a mixed numerology wherein a different subcarrier spacing (SCS) is used in a serving cell or a neighboring cell for concurrent processing of at least two of: intra-frequency measurement by the UE of a synchronization signal block (SSB); intra-frequency measurement by the UE of a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) for mobility; and reception by the UE of a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) or a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH). Based on the indication, the network may configure at least one of a CSI-RS measurement expectation, an SSB measurement expectation, and a scheduling restriction for reception of the PDCCH or the PDSCH by the UE.